what I want you to know about being on unemployment

What I Want You to Know is a series of reader submissions. It is an attempt to allow people to tell their personal stories, in the hopes of bringing greater compassion to the unique issues each of us face.  If you would like to submit a story to this series, click here. Today’s guest posts is by an anonymous reader.. I’m on unemployment.  Although I am aware that many people take advantage of The System, I am not one of them. I have had a job since I was 15 years old and have worked full time since age 18. I was a single teen mom. I have never received child support or government assistance. What I want you to know is I’d much rather be working than on unemployment. I have spent countless hours over the past months applying for available positions. I’ve sent out over 500 resumes.  Although I am a qualified executive level employee, there is no job beneath me. I have applied for entry level, middle management and executive level positions.  I have excellent business and personal references, impeccable employment history, I was with my previous employer for 13 years, and have above average skills and yet I still can’t find a job. I want you to know that I don’t lay on the couch all day eating Bon bon’s and watching daytime television. I volunteer for multiple local foundations, mentor pregnant and teen mom’s and help working friends and family with their children. I want you to know that it is a constant struggle to stay positive and hopeful that someday soon I will find employment. I want you to know that it is humbling and humiliating to rely on my wonderful family to assist me financially. I want you to know that I could no longer afford the $1200 per month premium for cobra health insurance, so now I am without.
I want you to know that I’m grateful to have unemployment but I’d much rather have full time job which makes me feel like I am using my mind, contributing to the world and gives me a sense of self worth.